The potential uses of bottlebrush squirreltail include erosion control and domestic livestock and wildlife forage production. The plant establishes easily, remains green for a long period and is palatable throughout the winter. Squirreltail has become an important species for reseeding after fire within its range. It is quick to establish, has a proficient seed dispersal mechanism, and is resistant to fire damage. Bottlebrush squirreltail has also shown that it can become a good competitor with undesirable annual weed species such as cheatgrass. Bottlebrush squirreltail is recognized as being one native perennial bunchgrass that has potential for broad-scale application in range seedings where introduced species such as crested and Siberian wheatgrasses and Russian wildryes have been used traditionally. Excellent seed dispersal, ability to tolerate fire, and strong seedling vigor make bottlebrush squirreltail an attractive species for use in many conservation applications.